Kennen vs. Wissen — Two Ways to Say "Know" in German
Quick Rule
Can you replace "know" with "am familiar with"? → kennen. Can you replace it with "know the fact that"? → wissen.
kennen vs. wissen — The Rules
kennen
Use "kennen" when you are familiar with or acquainted with something/someone. It always takes a direct object (accusative). You "kennen" people, places, books, songs — things you've experienced.
wissen
Use "wissen" when you know a fact or piece of information. It's often followed by a clause (dass, ob, wo, wann, wie) or stands alone. You "wissen" answers, facts, and information.
Examples — Side by Side
Ich kenne diesen Mann.
I know this man (I'm acquainted with him).
Ich weiß, wo er wohnt.
I know where he lives (factual info).
Kennst du Berlin?
Do you know Berlin? (Have you been there?)
Weißt du, wie viele Leute in Berlin leben?
Do you know how many people live in Berlin?
Sie kennt das Buch.
She knows the book (has read it).
Sie weiß die Antwort.
She knows the answer.
Wir kennen uns seit Jahren.
We've known each other for years.
Wir wissen, dass er kommt.
We know that he's coming.
Common Mistakes
Ich weiß diesen Mann.
Ich kenne diesen Mann.
You're familiar with a person → use "kennen", not "wissen".
Kennst du, wo der Bahnhof ist?
Weißt du, wo der Bahnhof ist?
Followed by a clause (wo...) = factual information → use "wissen".
Ich kenne die Antwort.
Ich weiß die Antwort.
An answer is a fact → use "wissen". (Though some native speakers accept "kenne" here.)
Memory Trick
"kennen" = know like a friend (personal). "wissen" = know like Wikipedia (factual).
Quick Quiz
1. ___ du meinen Bruder?
2. Ich ___ nicht, wie spät es ist.
3. ___ Sie dieses Restaurant?
